Al Jazeera Journalism Review

Outside image
A police officer fires a tear gas shell towards the supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, during a protest against his arrest, in Peshawar, Pakistan on May 10, 2023 [Fayaz Aziz/Reuters]

Tear gas and internet blackouts - reporting on protests in Pakistan

Following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, violence has erupted across Pakistan. For journalists, it is like reporting from the centre of a storm

 

The last time I visited Pakistan, it was just days before the momentous events of April 10 last year - a period of great significance in the country's political history, as Imran Khan, the then-sitting Prime Minister, was ousted from his position through a vote of no-confidence in parliament. Though tensions ran high and clashes broke out between protesters and the police, the situation did not escalate into complete chaos and remained relatively calm.

I couldn’t imagine things getting any worse. But a year later, it was nothing compared to what was to come. 

In the early afternoon of May 9 this year, a few months into my stay in Lahore, the country's sense of normalcy was shaken, as my phone suddenly sprang to life with a collection of messages from several journalism WhatsApp groups I had joined. The breaking news notifications, speculations and concerns began flooding in around 2.30 pm, informing us that former Prime Minister Imran Khan had been arrested in a dramatic fashion at the High Court in Islamabad. Swarmed by black-clad officers, Khan, dressed in a traditional white shalwar kameez, creating a stark visual contrast against the chaos surrounding him, was forcefully dragged into an armoured vehicle, and driven away by security forces. 

The video of the arrest spread like wildfire across social media platforms, as supporters and fans crafted their own remakes of the footage, each with their own emotional and patriotic music spin and visuals, to express their messages of solidarity and outrage.

RNPakistan
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is escorted by police officers as he arrives to appear in a court, in Islamabad, Pakistan on Friday, May 12, 2023 [Anjum Naveed/AP]

Over the next few hours, as I watched from the safety of my phone screen, mass protests and roadblocks began to choke almost every major city. As I read through each WhatsApp message, it added a new piece to the political puzzle - a tumultuous series of events that rocked the entire country into a warzone. The streets began to echo with the sounds of violence and the air was thick with tension and fear. 

Protesters unleashed chaos nationwide, targeting not just military buildings and state assets but even the corps commander's residence in Lahore, leaving a long-lasting trail of destruction in their wake. Cars and buses were set ablaze, casting an ominous glow over the already tense atmosphere. The entire transportation system came to a standstill, while markets and educational institutions were forced to close. As the crisis deepened, the world of finance was in turmoil, with gold prices soaring to yet another unprecedented height and sterling reaching a one-year peak. 

 

My homeland - burning with violence

As a journalist, I felt an urgent need to express my thoughts and observations on the rapidly unfolding events since they were taking place during my presence in the country. I took to my Instagram story, sharing the video of the arrest, along with a caption that not only reported the situation but also revealed my perspective as a member of the Pakistani diaspora who had returned to her homeland only to see it burning with violence.

But before long, my status disappeared from view without warning, as if my voice had been muted. Was it a technical glitch, or was there an intentional effort to silence my reporting? Was my account going to be suspended? It made me realise the extent of censorship and limitations on freedom of speech in my own country. 

As journalists, how can we navigate these challenges and ensure that our reporting and commentary remain accessible to our audiences? As I was about to post on other social media platforms to share the news, the digital world fell silent, with internet services cut off and social media platforms suspended.

Sameen Daud Khan, a  researcher who worked on Pakistan’s Internet Landscape report, published in 2022, told the Geo Television on May 10: "With Pakistan already ranking among the world's worst countries in terms of Internet access, Tuesday's [May 9] outage was nothing short of a shambolic turn of events. It is unfortunate that whenever the political climate in the country heats up, such a measure is viewed to be a necessity, when in truth it robs the people of the fundamental right of access to information that is guaranteed by law.”

On the other hand, with some slow access to Wi-Fi only, Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, took to its official Instagram page and posted a message urging their supporters to use a VPN (a virtual private network) for Pakistan in light of the suspensions imposed on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. 

Umar Burney, a 34-year-old news reporter at Dawn News, had a lighthearted take on the situation, saying: "Social media suspension can't really affect much because one thing every Pakistani kid learns when he steps into adulthood is how to use a VPN for obvious reasons." 

RNPakistan
People watch local news channels telecasting news about Pakistan's former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, at an electronics shop, in Karachi, Pakistan on Thursday, May 11, 2023 [Fareed Khan/AP]

Despite this, not everyone is tech-savvy enough to overcome the suspensions.

At this moment, reporting in Pakistan means ensuring the availability of necessities, such as internet connectivity, before even starting to think about the story at hand.  

Fortunately, telephone lines have remained functional, serving as a potential lifeline for communication and updates regarding the situation. I called a family friend, aged 65, living in a high-rise apartment along Karachi's bustling Shahra-e-Faisal road, where police were firing tear gas shells and using batons against thousands of PTI supporters. I received an account of the disturbing scenes observed from her window:

"The protestors have set cars and buses on fire. I can see the flames and smoke from my window. They are using force against the police, who are responding with tear gas" - a toxic substance that can cause lung damage - into crowds. As the night progressed, tear gas seeped inside her own house. "I've tightly shut all the windows and doors, placed wet towels and ice next to me for my eyes," she said.

"I'm grateful for my timing," she told me, “as I had done my grocery shopping earlier this morning before the arrest took place. At least now, I won't have to go outside."

In the midst of road blockages, even the simplest of tasks become frustrating challenges. The process of ordering groceries and food is fraught with difficulties, because of disrupted Wi-Fi signals, while for the delivery riders, it is a struggle to find my address in the absence of the internet and a navigation map. I may have had to wait an hour and a half, but I'm still impressed by businesses like Cheetay Grocery Store, which continued to deliver their services through phone calls, despite the challenges.

No internet means navigating Lahore has become challenging for me too, as I have grown reliant on digital maps and directions. Instead, I have to make phone calls and use nearby shops as reference points to navigate. Even familiar street corners considered safe require a second thought before travelling to them. As I drove past Lahore's Khayaban-e-Firdousi on May 9, I observed a group of young men attempting to block nearby roads using their motorbikes, bricks and rocks, near the Shaukat Khanum Hospital, founded by Imran Khan. The hospital looked calm, but there was a sense of unease in the air. It appeared that a protest was about to begin. 

RNPakistan
Supporters of Imran Khan celebrate as the Supreme Court ruled that his arrest was illegal, outside Khan's house in Lahore, Pakistan on May 11, 2023 [Mohsin Raza/Reuters]

Being a journalist from the Pakistani diaspora based in the UK, who is often considered an outsider, it has often been daunting for me to leave the safety of my car and report on or document what is happening around me. This feeling has only grown stronger, particularly after I came across the disturbing news of a mother and her daughter, both of British-Pakistani origin, being violently mistreated by the female Pakistani police. The incident, captured on video, revealed how the women were arrested during a peaceful protest without apparent provocation and were dragged into a police van. Throughout, they repeatedly exclaimed: "We will call the British Embassy. How can they treat overseas Pakistanis like this?" 

On the evening of May 9, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued an updated travel advisory, warning travellers to Pakistan of political rallies that could "turn violent". The imposition of Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings of more than four people, was also enforced as a response to the rising unrest and as a measure to uphold law and order following reports of violent protests from various regions of the country. This situation has served as a reminder of the risks associated with reporting for journalists in such an unstable scenario. 

 

‘It feels like covering a warzone’

As local journalists in Pakistan set off to report the truth, they have encountered escalating difficulties and dangers at every turn in the increasingly fraught environment following Khan's detention. Drawing on my connections and insider knowledge, I have been able to gather a series of accounts from several Pakistani journalists, recounting their experiences.

Talha Saeed, a 31-year-old reporter for the local Pakistani channel Hum Network News, says: "With every passing day, reporting becomes more difficult. It feels like covering a war zone, especially after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan."

"To ensure safety, we use protective gear like helmets and gas masks to avoid tear gas. While doing field coverage, we try to maintain a safe distance from the crowd," he adds.

"Internet blockades are very much disturbing the pace of our work. We used to send footage from the spots mostly via WhatsApp. It is also getting difficult to contact our sources. Journalists play an important role in promoting accountability and transparency during such times. My advice for every journalist is to be unbiased, especially under such circumstances, to ensure their credibility," he concludes.

Live, from-the-ground reporting journalists like Saeed are constantly facing a changing and unpredictable landscape, where they must prioritise accurate reporting while also ensuring their own safety. Despite these challenges, Saeed is committed to giving a voice to the people in the midst of political unrest and military conflict. Yet, balancing the need for accurate reporting with their own safety can be a challenging task for journalists, and it requires a high degree of professionalism and expertise.

RNPakistan
'With every passing day, reporting becomes more difficult'. Talha Saeed, 31, is a local reporter for Hum Network News. Here, he stands close to the chaos at Canal Bank Road in Lahore [Anam Hussain]

Pervaiz Jamil Mir, commonly known as PJ Mir, is a respected senior journalist and a prominent anchor in the Pakistani media, widely recognised for his insightful and hard-hitting interviews of politicians. His work has had a significant impact on the media industry, and he continues to inspire the younger generation of journalists to pursue their passion for truth and accuracy. He tells me that during times like these: "The role of any journalist has to be straight and objective. Some Journalists in Pakistan become party to the issues, and they are ones who create negative perceptions, if you really report the truth the whole truth it works both ways, national security cannot be compromised while the other side sees mixed reports."

Mir is hopeful. "It is, however, getting better. Responsible reporting is there with exceptions, but it will take time to get journalism on the right track."

Mir has always emphasised the importance of impartial and responsible journalism, and advocated for the protection of media freedoms in Pakistan. By doing so, he has helped to shape the next generation of journalists in the country.

With a similar perspective, Sibte Arif, a 42-year-old journalist from Geo News, shares the following: "Despite the dangerous situation, we still have to report the news, provide a balanced view, and keep objectivity in focus so that information can be conveyed accurately.

"However, live reporting is becoming increasingly challenging during this time, as words can be easily misconstrued. It's better to write key points beforehand, especially in these sensitive situations."

However, the Dawn News reporter, Umar Burney, notes that: "Accountability and transparency are not possible in a political unrest."

RNPakistan
Supporters of Imran Khan throw stones at police during a protest against Khan's arrest, in Peshawar, Pakistan on May 10, 2023 [Fayaz Aziz/Reuters]

 

Polarisation of the media

"Political reporting in Pakistan has faced numerous challenges since 2012 due to the huge media divide. This divide has led to a situation where political parties are intolerant of one another," says Arif.

The political media divide refers to the polarisation and bias in media coverage towards a certain political party or ideology, which often leads to the creation of different media factions and a lack of impartiality in reporting. In Pakistan, the political media divide refers to the situation where certain media channels are aligned with particular political parties or personalities, which leads to a lack of balanced reporting.

This, Arif adds, leads to "political mobs being a constant source of disturbance for us. As a result, many journalists remove their channel logos from their microphones while reporting. It's a tough time".

Zarghoon Shah, 40, a correspondent at Geo Television, offers a different perspective: "If your media house is neutral and has no tags or tilts on sympathies for any political party or a national institution, you can cover the events without fear." 

Regardless of their political stance, the risk of violence and harassment is ever-present for female journalists in Pakistan. Nevertheless, they remain steadfast in their commitment to deliver truthful and reliable news to the public.

Considering the events that occurred after the arrest, Naila Ali, a 27-year-old female anchor at GNN News, points out that, "During political chaos, field reporting is a very difficult task, in particular, if the journalist is a female.

"We avoid areas where there is a risk of violence, but we continue to report. Our priority is to protect our lives, and once we feel safe, we report what we witness with good intentions.

"I have always believed that instead of sensationalism, the authenticity of the news is most important. It's crucial to convey the ground realities to the audiences. To achieve this, I carry out a detailed Q&A session with as many people and sources as possible on-ground, to find out what the reality is."

RNPakistan
A man carries damaged items inside a Radio Pakistan office building after it was set on fire by supporters of Imran Khan during a protest against his arrest in Peshawar, Pakistan on May 11, 2023. The media has become increasingly polarised in the country [Fayaz Aziz/Reuters] 

For some journalists in Pakistan, however, navigating these tumultuous events has become a routine part of their work. For Abdul Majid Bhatti, 60, a veteran journalist from the Jang Media Group in Karachi, political turmoil and violent protests in Pakistan are nothing new. "This political crisis in Pakistan is normal,” he says. “Pakistani journalists are used to this. We've seen it all before," he says. "Every few years, there seems to be some kind of crisis or unrest. We've had cinemas burned down, and there have been widespread protests following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto." 

Bhatti's perspective serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Pakistani people and the steadfast dedication of journalists to their profession, even in the face of adversity.

On transparency and accountability in journalism, he says: "While there are some very good journalists and major media houses, like Dawn Group and Jang, who still follow ethical standards, the ultimate decision-making power lies with the owners' policies."

 

Reporting on Pakistan comes with very specific risks

He also emphasises that journalists in Pakistan must take responsibility for their safety in dangerous situations. "While some news channels, such as Geo News, provide their reporters with insurance coverage, bulletproof jackets, and masks for tear gas, they also advise that whenever you report, be careful. Cross-firing incidents do take place in Pakistan, and unfortunately, reporters do get injured. While such situations may be rare in Europe or the UK, they are all too common in Pakistan, making the job of a television reporter difficult and risky when reporting live from the scene, compared to those in the print media."

RNPakistan
A woman gestures next to a burning police vehicle during a protest by supporters of Imran Khan in Karachi, Pakistan on May 9, 2023 [Akhtar Soomro, Reuters]  

According to Azam Khan, a BBC Urdu journalist, ensuring the safety and security of journalists is a major concern during these times. "We have deployed our reporting team in safe zones, ensuring safety kits for them. For the protection of sources, we are also not disclosing their identity and not quoting anything from those officials who are deputed in the field."

Nevertheless, even with these precautions, the situation remains dangerous. Arslan Javaid, a 29-year-old journalist from Neo News, recounts a harrowing incident following the arrest of Imran Khan. "The Punjab Police prevented us from documenting their actions. Our cameras, phones, and other reporting equipment were confiscated [on May 9, 2023]. Even when we attempted to approach the protesters, we faced similar treatment. They accused us of reporting inaccuracies, with direct curses and shouts our way. It's not just the protesters, but regular people who are attacking us."

Describing another alarming event from the following day, on May 10, he recounts standing at Lahore's Kalma Chowk Flyover, where he was almost assaulted by protesters and was compelled to depart to ensure his safety.

 

International press - an easier ride?

He explains that for safety reasons, "sometimes we had to conceal our identity and reveal our true identity at other times". Interestingly, he explains, "when we had sufficient protective gear like bulletproof jackets, helmets, and masks, we were perceived as international journalists and protesters were more cautious as they thought they were being depicted on a global platform. Even the police never said anything.

"The normal field reporter, with a Pakistani journalism style, is mistreated from both ends. It's a risky situation. Sometimes, to avoid being attacked by protestors, we had to pretend to be with them and not affiliated with the media."

RNPakistan
A view of a house in a cantonment area - a permanent military base - which was set on fire by supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, during a protest against his arrest, in Lahore, Pakistan on May 9, 2023 [Aun Jaffery/Reuters].

Arslan Javaid also comments on the internet blackouts and political media divide, stating: "Without any online connectivity, we are left with no options. We have to gather data and then travel back to the office to drop it off, and then, back to the field again."

"The political media divide has made it increasingly difficult for field journalists to perform their duties. While their job is to report unbiased news, those in charge of the television channels often impose their own policies, without understanding the on-the-ground realities. This creates problems for us reporters, who are expected to follow the television rules and report accordingly. As a result, media workers are harassed. In the current Imran Khan situation, journalism in Pakistan has become very unsafe. For the aspiring journalists," he notes, "what you are taught in the classroom is often opposite to what is practised in the field."

Every journalist my contacts introduced me to had a story to tell and each story taught me to look beyond the surface-level news and understand the complex challenges faced by reporters on the ground in Pakistan. These journalists show immense courage and determination to continue their work despite the risks. Their experiences also highlight the urgent need for better protection, support and assistance for journalists operating in high-risk environments.

As I walked through our local neighbourhood market in Lahore to fetch some basic necessities after dinner on May 10, I couldn't help but notice the heavy atmosphere of tension and frustration that hung in the air. With children out of school and parents out of work, the community is on edge. The current political and social unrest in Pakistan had cast a shadow of uncertainty over the country. 

But one thing is certain, the coming days and weeks will test the resilience of Pakistan and its people.

 

 

More Articles

Fact or Fiction? Quantifying the 'Truth' in True-Crime Podcasts

Over the centuries, true crime narratives have migrated across mediums—from tabloids and books to documentaries, films, and, most recently, podcasts. Despite these evolutions, one constant endures: the storytellers’ drive to detail the darkest corners of human behaviour and the insatiable curiosity of their audiences.

Suvrat Arora
Suvrat Arora Published on: 28 Nov, 2024
Why Are Journalists Being Silenced in Kashmir?

Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, press freedom in Indian-administered Kashmir has sharply declined, with local journalists facing harassment, surveillance, and charges under anti-terror laws, while foreign correspondents are denied access or deported for critical reporting. These measures, aimed at controlling the region’s narrative and projecting normalcy, have drawn widespread criticism from international watchdogs, who warn of increasing suppression of both domestic and foreign media.

headshot
AJR Correspondent Published on: 27 Nov, 2024
Gender Inequity in Sports Reporting: Female Journalists Demand Equality

Gender inequality persists in sports journalism, with female reporters significantly under-represented, as shown by studies revealing that only 5.1% of sports articles are written by women. Advocates call for equal representation, more inclusive hiring practices, and a broader focus on women's sports to challenge stereotypes, improve coverage, and give women a stronger voice in shaping sports narratives.

Akem
Akem Nkwain Published on: 18 Nov, 2024
Challenging the Narrative: Jeremy Scahill on the Need for Adversarial Journalism

Investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill calls for a revival of "adversarial journalism" to reinstate crucial professional and humanitarian values in mainstream Western media, especially regarding the coverage of the Gaza genocide.

Mohammad Zeidan
Mohammad Zeidan Published on: 10 Nov, 2024
Monitoring of Journalistic Malpractices in Gaza Coverage

On this page, the editorial team of the Al Jazeera Journalism Review will collect news published by media institutions about the current war on Gaza that involves disinformation, bias, or professional journalistic standards and its code of ethics.

A picture of the Al Jazeera Media Institute's logo, on a white background.
Al Jazeera Journalism Review Published on: 23 Oct, 2024
A Year of Genocide and Bias: Western Media's Whitewashing of Israel's Ongoing War on Gaza

Major Western media outlets continue to prove that they are a party in the war of narratives, siding with the Israeli occupation. The article explains how these major Western media outlets are still refining their techniques of bias in favor of the occupation, even a year after the genocide in Palestine.

Mohammad Zeidan
Mohammad Zeidan Published on: 9 Oct, 2024
Testimonies of the First Witness of the Sabra & Shatila Massacre

The Sabra and Shatila massacre in 1982 saw over 3,000 unarmed Palestinian refugees brutally killed by Phalangist militias under the facilitation of Israeli forces. As the first journalist to enter the camps, Japanese journalist Ryuichi Hirokawa provides a harrowing first-hand account of the atrocity amid a media blackout. His testimony highlights the power of bearing witness to a war crime and contrasts the past Israeli public outcry with today’s silence over the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Mei Shigenobu مي شيغينوبو
Mei Shigenobu Published on: 18 Sep, 2024
Journalist Mothers in Gaza: Living the Ordeal Twice

Being a journalist, particularly a female journalist covering the genocide in Palestine without any form of protection, makes practicing journalism nearly impossible. When the journalist is also a mother haunted by the fear of losing her children, working in the field becomes an immense sacrifice.

Amani Shninu
Amani Shninu Published on: 15 Sep, 2024
Anonymous Sources in the New York Times... Covering the War with One Eye

The use of anonymous sources in journalism is considered, within professional and ethical standards, a “last option” for journalists. However, analysis of New York Times data reveals a persistent pattern in the use of “anonymity” to support specific narratives, especially Israeli narratives.

Mohammad Zeidan
Mohammad Zeidan Published on: 8 Sep, 2024
Cameroonian Journalists at the Center of Fighting Illegal Fishing

While the EU’s red card to Cameroon has undeniably tarnished its image, it has paradoxically unlocked the potential of Cameroonian journalists and ignited a movement poised to reshape the future. Through this shared struggle, journalists, scientists, conservationists, storytellers, and government officials have united, paving the way for a new era of ocean advocacy.

Shuimo Trust Dohyee
Shuimo Trust Dohyee Published on: 21 Aug, 2024
The Gaza Journalist and the "Heart and Mind" Struggle

Inside the heart of a Palestinian journalist living in Gaza, there are two personas: one is a human who wants to protect his own life and that of his family, and the other is a journalist committed to safeguarding the lives of the people by holding on to the truth and staying in the field. Between these two extremes, or what journalist Maram Hamid describes as the struggle between the heart and the mind, the Palestinian journalist continues to share a narrative that the occupation intended to keep "away from the camera."

Maram
Maram Humaid Published on: 18 Aug, 2024
Journalists Recount the Final Moments of Ismail Al-Ghoul

Journalists remembering the slain reporter of Al Jazeera in Northern Gaza, Ismail Al Ghoul. "He insisted on continuing his coverage from the northern part of the Gaza Strip, despite the challenges and obstacles he faced. He was arrested and interrogated by the Israeli army, his brother was killed in an Israeli airstrike, and his father passed away during treatment abroad."

Mohammad Abu Don
Mohammad Abu Don Published on: 11 Aug, 2024
Analysis: Media Disinformation and UK Far-Right Riots

Analysis on the impact of media disinformation on public opinion, particularly during UK riots incited by far-right groups. A look at how sensationalist media can directly influence audience behavior, as per the Hypodermic Needle Theory, leading to normalized discrimination and violence. The need for responsible journalism is emphasized to prevent such harmful effects.

Anam Hussain
Anam Hussain Published on: 8 Aug, 2024
Challenges for Female Journalists in Crisis Zones of Cameroon

Testimonies of what female journalists in Cameroon are facing and how they are challenging these difficulties.

Akem
Akem Nkwain Published on: 30 Jul, 2024
From TV Screens to YouTube: The Rise of Exiled Journalists in Pakistan

Pakistani journalists are leveraging YouTube to overcome censorship, connecting with global audiences, and redefining independent reporting in their homeland.

Anam Hussain
Anam Hussain Published on: 28 Jul, 2024
Daughters of Data: African Female Journalists Using Data to Reveal Hidden Truths

A growing network of African women journalists, data scientists, and tech experts is amplifying female voices and highlighting underreported stories across the continent by producing data-driven projects and leveraging digital technologies in storytelling.

Nalova Akua
Nalova Akua Published on: 23 Jul, 2024
Are Podcasts the Future of African Broadcasting?

The surge of podcasts across Africa is a burgeoning trend, encompassing a wide array of themes and subjects, and swiftly expanding across various nations.

Derick Matsengarwodzi
Derick Matsengarwodzi Published on: 11 Jul, 2024
Video Volunteers: How India’s Marginalised Groups Tell Their Own Stories

Video creators like Rohini Pawar and Shabnam Begum have transcended societal challenges by producing influential videos with Video Volunteers, highlighting social issues within marginalized communities. Their work exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling in fostering grassroots change and empowerment across India.

Hanan Zaffa
Hanan Zaffar, Jyoti Thakur Published on: 3 Jul, 2024
Climate Journalism in Vietnam's Censored Landscape

In Vietnam, climate journalists face challenges due to censorship and restrictions on press freedom, making it difficult to report environmental issues accurately. Despite these obstacles, there are still journalists working to cover climate stories creatively and effectively, highlighting the importance of climate journalism in addressing environmental concerns.

AJR Contributor Published on: 26 Jun, 2024
Challenges of Investigating Subculture Stories in Japan as a Foreign Correspondent

Japan's vibrant subcultures and feminist activists challenge the reductive narratives often portrayed in Western media. To understand this dynamic society authentically, journalists must approach their reporting with patience, commitment, and empathy, shedding preconceptions and engaging deeply with the nuances of Japanese culture.

Johann Fleuri
Johann Fleuri Published on: 24 Jun, 2024
Covering the War on Gaza: As a Journalist, Mother, and Displaced Person

What takes precedence: feeding a hungry child or providing professional coverage of a genocidal war? Journalist Marah Al Wadiya shares her story of balancing motherhood, displacement, psychological turmoil, and the relentless struggle to find safety in an unsafe region.

Marah Al Wadiya
Marah Al Wadiya Published on: 29 May, 2024
Fighting Misinformation and Disinformation to Foster Social Governance in Africa

Experts in Africa are using various digital media tools to raise awareness and combat the increasing usage of misinformation and disinformation to manipulate social governance.

Derick Matsengarwodzi
Derick Matsengarwodzi Published on: 22 May, 2024
"I Am Still Alive!": The Resilient Voices of Gaza's Journalists

The Israeli occupation has escalated from targeting journalists to intimidating and killing their families. Hisham Zaqqout, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Gaza talks about his experience covering the war and the delicate balance between family obligations and professional duty.

Hisham Zakkout Published on: 15 May, 2024
Under Fire: The Perilous Reality for Journalists in Gaza's War Zone

Journalists lack safety equipment and legal protection, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in Gaza. While Israel denies responsibility for targeting journalists, the lack of international intervention leaves journalists in Gaza exposed to daily danger.

Linda Shalash
Linda Shalash Published on: 9 May, 2024